(19)
(11) EP 1 157 916 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
29.05.2002 Bulletin 2002/22

(43) Date of publication A2:
28.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/48

(21) Application number: 01303838.5

(22) Date of filing: 26.04.2001
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B62D 29/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 26.04.2000 JP 2000126169

(71) Applicant: NEO-EX LAB. INC.
Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken (JP)

(72) Inventors:
  • Matsuki, Nobuaki
    Nisshin-shi, Aichi-ken (JP)
  • Iwamoto, Katsutoshi
    Okazaki-shi, Aichi-ken (JP)

(74) Representative: Senior, Alan Murray 
J.A. KEMP & CO., 14 South Square, Gray's Inn
London WC1R 5JJ
London WC1R 5JJ (GB)

   


(54) Devices and methods for reinforcing hollow structural members


(57) Reinforcement devices (10, 10', 110, 110') may be inserted into a cavity (6) of a hollow structural member (1) in order to reinforce the hollow structural member (1). The reinforcement devices (10, 10', 110, 110') may include a first elongated reinforcement part (11, 111) having at least one mating surface (15a, 17a, 115a) extending along a longitudinal axis of the first part (11, 111) and a second elongated reinforcement part (12, 121) having at least one mating surface (25a, 27a, 125a) extending along a longitudinal axis of the second part (12, 121). An adhesive resin material preferably adheres the first elongated reinforcement part (11, 111) to the second elongated reinforcement part (12, 121). The adhesive resin material may comprise a thermosetting resin that thermosets when heated. Thus, a thermoset product (31, 136) will connect the reinforcement parts (11, 12, 111, 121) after heating. In addition or in the alternative, the adhesive resin material may comprise a foamable resin that foams when heated. Thus, a foamed product (31, 136) will connect the reinforcement parts (11, 12, 111, 121) after heating.






Search report